UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune liquorice in the UK
Why the timing differs here
British pruning timing is set by the last frost rather than the calendar. The RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants because it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills — and UK last frosts run from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north.
How to prune liquorice
Pinch or snip stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching.
Liquorice responds well to regular light pruning. Pinching back the growing tips every couple of weeks keeps the plant bushy, delays flowering (which can turn the leaves bitter), and gives you a steady harvest. Always cut just above a leaf node.
More liquorice care for British gardens
Care at a glance
Pruning liquorice in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune liquorice in the UK?
Prune liquorice in spring, once growth resumes. British pruning timing is set by the last frost rather than the calendar. The RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants because it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills — and UK last frosts run from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north.
Is it illegal to prune liquorice in spring or summer in the UK?
Pruning itself is not illegal, but destroying an active nest is. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is a criminal offence to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being built or in use, and the RHS treats the nesting season as March to August, sometimes longer. Check liquorice for nests before cutting, and if you find an active one, leave that part of the plant until the birds have fledged.
How do you prune liquorice?
Pinch or snip stems just above a pair of leaves to encourage branching.
How often does liquorice need pruning in a British garden?
Every 1–2 weeks in season. Liquorice responds well to regular light pruning. Pinching back the growing tips every couple of weeks keeps the plant bushy, delays flowering (which can turn the leaves bitter), and gives you a steady harvest. Always cut just above a leaf node.
Why is UK pruning timing different from American advice?
Most pruning guides online are written for US conditions and anchored to USDA zones. Britain's maritime climate gives milder winters but later, less predictable last frosts — from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north — so the RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants: it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills. Britain also has the nesting-bird law, which has no US equivalent.